Interesting to me that the majority of criticism levelled at Basil seems to be derived from Richie's Twitter account of things and this single article and based on little else.



I think I will keep my own powder dry and afford a professional club coach with at least 1 CC win and a SL ring a little more credit for his opinion than ours. NONE OF US have the insight and the 'truth' we have a perception from distance based on some media play and some edited interviews.

I have no axe to grind with Richie Mathers, seems a cracking lad to me with a lot of talent, but in my job sometimes, I have to look at individuals, no matter how much I like them for the overall good of what I am trying to create?

It just didnt work out for Mathers at Cas one of the reasons being , he couldnt tackle a good dinner, strange for a fullback. Those at Wakey will be singing from a different sheet when they have seen his efforts in a few tough games.

Just my opinion

You're not giving Basil enough credit.



He won 2 Challenge Cups, 2 Grand Finals and a World Club Challenge at Saints. And then did a great job as an agent under-cover at Wigan





As for Mathers, he may be 'a nice lad' but he's now played in SL for 5 clubs and lasted only a season (I think it was 6 games) with Gold Coast. What does that tell you ? Very ordinary.

I see Betts has told Mathers to 'man up' today. Don't think he'll be missed, frankly.

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I wonder if he said the same to Scott Moore and Stefan Marsh - his own players who made similar comments on Twitter, that mysteriously disappeared the following day?

I would worry about Betts, he was never more than a average player and only played for GB because he played at Wigan, unless anyone wants to tell me different of course.



He's making himself look rather foolish one week into his SL career.

I'l await your views after you have played on that pitch.

Yes it is going to be interesting watching any game at the Stobart, not only will you have trainers running on with water bottles/passing on instructions, they will also be bringing on the grease during stoppages to be rubbed on players knees and elbows.



Unless you take to the field at the start larded up like a cross channel swimmer

While he was no Malcolm Reilly (although he was an automatic selection in his GB teams) let's have a look at Betts' career then.



Lance Todd Trophy ? check

Man of Steel ? check

Young Player of the Year ? check

most caps by a GB forward ? check (30-odd)

Only played for GB cos he played for Wigan ? That was a feat in itself at the time.



He's no coach, that's obvious. But, fair-dos, he wasn't a bad player at all.

What more would he have had to do to impress you ?

Like i said average, just take away the Wigan factor and you have someone like Brett Ferres, i never said he was a bad player just average playing in a good side.

We still to this day see players selected that are favourites within the game, while others are overlooked at so called smaller clubs, do you not agree.

Fair comment regarding Ferres, but I thought Betts was a cracking player in his day.